Why Choose Studson?

Header image: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District

Quick Answer

STUDSON builds Type II safety helmets that bring sports-helmet technology to the jobsite. The SHK-1 combines a Koroyd energy-absorbing core, a Twiceme NFC emergency-information chip, and a Fidlock magnetic chin strap. It is certified to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) Type II, available vented (Class C) or non-vented (Class E), and offered in a dual-certified ANSI and CSA version. BDG Safety is an authorized STUDSON dealer.

STUDSON: Built By Someone Who Knows What A Head Injury Costs

STUDSON was founded by CEO Ryan Barnes, who spent more than 20 years in the sports and outdoor industry with brands like K2, Salomon, and POC. On the STUDSON About Us page, he describes a ski-racing crash at 16 that sent him headfirst into a tree and left him with titanium plates in his face. He saw a gap: sports helmets had evolved for decades while industrial head protection had barely changed. STUDSON exists to close it.

That background matters to us. BDG Safety was founded by Navy veterans who understand traumatic brain injury firsthand. We carry STUDSON because the helmet reflects the same mission: get people home safe.

STUDSON Helmet Technology, Explained

Koroyd impact core. According to STUDSON's technology page, Koroyd is made of welded tubes that collapse on impact, absorbing force in a controlled way and redirecting energy away from localized impact zones. STUDSON says this protects against both direct and angled impacts, which are exactly the hits a Type II helmet is built for. On the dual-certified Full Brim, STUDSON describes a Koroyd-dominant core that replaces much of the traditional EPS foam, which also helps with heat and bulk.

Twiceme NFC chip. Every STUDSON helmet has a Twiceme chip embedded in it. Workers can store medical information, emergency contacts, and other details, and anyone nearby can read it with a tap of a smartphone. STUDSON notes that Twiceme can also store work certifications and inspection records, and safety managers can use the Twiceme Safety Management Portal.

Fidlock magnetic buckle. The Fidlock SNAP buckle opens with a simple lateral slide using two fingers, and gloves do not get in the way. That matters more than it sounds. OSHA's safety helmet bulletin says chin straps should be considered for use with all head protection. A strap that is easy to use is a strap that gets buckled.

IONIC+ antimicrobial treatment. STUDSON also lists an antimicrobial treatment on its technology page, which helps with odor in helmets that get worn all day.

The STUDSON SHK-1 Safety Helmet Lineup

• Full Brim Vented, Class C. Airflow for hot, non-electrical work. STUDSON spec page
• Full Brim Non-Vented, Class E. Electrical protection for work near higher-voltage conductors. STUDSON spec page
• Standard Brim (cap style). A shorter bill for tight spaces and work at height, in vented and non-vented versions.
• Dual Cert Full Brim. Certified to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) Type II and CSA Z94.1-2015 Type II for crews that work on both sides of the border, in Class C and Class E (STUDSON dual-certified page).

Remember OSHA's rule of thumb: vented helmets cannot be used for electrical work. If there is any electrical exposure, choose the non-vented Class E model.

The STUDSON Helmet Accessory System

STUDSON builds accessories around the SHK-1 so crews can add what the job needs without improvising: ear defenders, face shields (including arc-flash tint), mesh shields, neck shades, chin straps, and replacement pads. OSHA's bulletin recommends headwear that accepts manufacturer-compatible face shields, hearing protection, and communication devices, and that is the point of a matched system.

Who STUDSON Safety Helmets Are A Good Fit For

• Federal and USACE work where Type II is specified or expected. See how USACE Savannah District implemented modern safety helmets.
• Utilities and electrical crews that need Class E.
• Contractors moving from hard hats to helmets who want a helmet workers will actually like wearing.
• Cross-border crews that need one ANSI and CSA spec.

Read more about our partnership in Partnering with Studson to bring modern head protection to jobsites.

How STUDSON Compares To Other Safety Helmets

STUDSON sits at the premium end of the Type II market. If your rollout needs a lower price per head, the Hardknock Resolve FullBrim is a strong contractor-grade Type II with accessory rails and chin straps, and BDG carries both. Many companies issue STUDSON to supervisors, electrical crews, or high-exposure roles and a contractor-grade Type II elsewhere. For a full decision checklist, see Choosing the right safety helmet.

STUDSON And Head Injury Key Statistics

• Type II: STUDSON SHK-1 helmets are certified for top, front, side, and rear protection under ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) (STUDSON).
• 20,000 volts: the proof-test voltage for Class E helmets like the SHK-1 Non-Vented (OSHA SHIB 3-6-2024).
• 370 construction and extraction workers died from falls, slips, and trips in 2024 (BLS CFOI, released February 19, 2026).

STUDSON Helmets And Accessories

SHK-1 Full Brim Vented | SHK-1 Full Brim Non-Vented | SHK-1 Ear Defender | Full Brim Face Shield, Arc Flash Tint | Fidlock replacement chin strap

Shop the full STUDSON collection at BDG Safety

Related Safety Helmet Resources

What is a Type II safety helmet?. The basics of Type II.

Why are companies switching to Type II helmets?. The forces behind the shift.

Understanding ANSI Z89.1. What the certification on the label means.

Can a helmet be used after an impact?. Why Koroyd and every other liner is single-use.

Frequently Asked Questions About STUDSON Helmets

Q: Is STUDSON OSHA compliant?

A: STUDSON SHK-1 helmets are certified to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type II, the consensus standard OSHA's head protection rules point to. Pick the Class that matches your electrical exposure.

Q: Can I buy STUDSON on a government contract?

A: Yes. BDG Safety is a certified SDVOSB and sells to federal, state, and local buyers. See Government PPE purchasing.

Q: Can STUDSON helmets be logo-decorated?

A: Yes. BDG handles decorated STUDSON orders. Ask about our logo customization request form.

Q: Does Twiceme need a battery or app subscription?

A: The chip is NFC, read by a smartphone tap. See Twiceme for details on the app and portal.

Spec STUDSON Safety Helmets For Your Crew

BDG Safety can quote STUDSON by the crew or by the contract, including decorated orders. Call (619) 992-7621 or email info@bulldoggroup.net. BDG Safety is a Navy-veteran-founded, certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that supplies Type II safety helmets and PPE to contractors, agencies, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Real people who know the gear, no phone menus. Open a B2B account or see how to buy.

Explore more guides in the BDG Safety Resource Center.